Declaration of ACP Ministers of Culture at the conclusion of their 4th meeting held in Brussels on 9th to 10th November 2017.

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I. The ACP Ministers of Culture meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on 9 and 10 November 2017

A. Reiterate the commitments made at previous meetings (Dakar 2003, Santo Domingo 2006, and Brussels 2012); while regretting that an effective follow-up mechanism has not been established;

Brussels, 10 November 2017/ ACP: Leaders and policy makers from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) reaffirmed their commitment to making culture a priority sector in their countries through concrete actions and strategies, while welcoming €40 million under the European Development Fund for a new ACP-EU support programme to be launched in 2018.

Honourable Chair, Minister of Tourism and Culture of the Republic of the Gambia Hon. Hamat Bah

Honourable Ministers; Senior Officials

Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries of ACP member states

Distinguished guests, and friends

A special welcome to the Minister from the Dominican Republic. When we heard the ACP anthem [which you have just heard played], I wish to recall that the anthem was composed by the versatile musician of the Dominican Republic. We hear in it also the drumming that comes from your neighbouring island of Haiti. I'm always touched when I hear the anthem and we thank you very much for being with us.

Brussels, 7 November 2017/ ACPCultures+: To mark the 4th meeting of ACP Ministers of Culture, the ACPCultures+ Programme - the ACP-EU flagship initiative to promote ACP cultural industries and cultural diversity - spoke with ACP Secretary-General H.E. Dr. Patrick Gomes to obtain his views on the important role of culture in sustaimable development. Interview by Valerio Caruso.

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ACPCultures+ : Why is it important to invest in culture?

Brussels, 7 November 2017/ ACP: On 9 and 10 November 2017, the Secretariat of the ACP Group of States will organise the fourth meeting of ACP Ministers of Culture on the topic of “Making culture an impact investment in achieving 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development” in Brussels. The Ministers’ conference will be preceded by the meeting of ACP Senior Officials in charge of Culture on 7 and 8 November.

Brussels, 6 November 2017/ ACP: The ACP Secretary-General has called for a reinforced and more coordinated relationship between the ACP Group of States and the regional economic communities and organisations within its six regions. A wider and stronger reach in ACP regions will lead to more effective implementation of ACP development programmes.

Preparations for ACP-EU relations post-2020:  Approach and Core Principles 

Chairperson; 

Your Excellency, Dr. the Honourable Vice-President Inonge WINA; 

Secretary General Ngwenya; 

All protocols observed

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen